Spinal Reducing Instrument with Pivoting Arms and Pawl Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
In orthopedic surgical procedures, there is a need for instruments that can facilitate the maneuverability and connection of fixation implants and elongated connecting members, particularly in the challenging environment of a surgical site, where manual reduction can be difficult due to close quarters and the requirement for precise alignment and force application.
Innovation Solution
A reducing instrument with handle portions, springs, and arm portions that are removably engageable with bone screws or anchors, allowing for controlled movement and alignment of the connecting member relative to the implant, enabling easier insertion and manipulation through small incisions, with features like toothed bars, pawls, and pivoting mechanisms to maintain alignment and apply force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual reduction is used to connect fixation implants and connecting members, then the surgeon has direct control over the connection process, but the procedure becomes difficult and time-consuming due to close quarters and the need for precise alignment and force application
Solution Approach 1:
A reducing instrument is introduced as an intermediary tool between the surgeon's hands and the fixation implants/connecting members. The instrument includes engagement elements that attach to the bone anchor and connecting member, providing mechanical leverage and precise alignment control. This mediator enables the connection process in close quarters without requiring direct manual manipulation of the implants themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The reducing instrument is divided into separate functional components: handle portions for surgeon control, springs for applying controlled force, and arm portions with engagement elements for attaching to the bone anchor and connecting member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together as a unified system.
2Force
If reducing instruments are designed with mechanical advantage for connecting implants, then the connection force and precision are improved, but the maneuverability of the instrument through small incisions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reducing instrument incorporates movable and adjustable components, including springs that can compress and extend, and arm portions that can pivot and reposition. This dynamic design allows the instrument to adapt to the confined surgical space while maintaining mechanical advantage for applying connection force. The instrument can be maneuvered through small incisions and then deployed to provide the necessary leverage for implant connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument's components are designed to nest or compact when not in use, allowing the handle portions and arm portions to be positioned close together. This nested configuration reduces the instrument's overall size for insertion through small incisions, while the same components can be extended and positioned to provide mechanical advantage when performing the connection operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The instrument enhances the ability to align and connect orthopedic implants and rods efficiently, reducing the complexity of manual manipulation and improving the precision and ease of placement within the surgical site, thereby aiding in correcting spinal misalignments and other bone deformities.
Implementation Method 1
springs, allowing for controlled movement and alignment of the connecting member relative to the implant
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument is provided for use in orthopedic surgery for reduction of a connecting member such as a spinal rod toward an implant such as a bone screw. An embodiment of the instrument includes handle portions that are pivotable relative to each other and biased apart, and arm portions pivotable relative to each other and to the handle portions. Distal portions of the arm portions, which may be offset from the arm portions, provide structure for engaging a connecting member and an implant. Squeezing the handle portions force the distal portions of the arm portions together, forcing together the connecting member and the implant. A toothed bar and pawl may be provided to retain the instrument in a squeezed state.